Cases Of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Research Articles

Spontaneous thrombosis with a conservative approach to posterior spinal artery pseudoaneurysm management: A case series.

In this study, we address the rarity and management challenges associated with ruptured spinal artery pseudoaneurysms, which comprise < 1% of subarachnoid hemorrhage cases. With our limited understanding of their natural history, the prevailing consensus leans towards surgical clipping, contrasting with the typically benign symptoms of sudden back pain and lower extremity weakness. Despite reported low morbidity and mortality, fatal re-ruptures underscore the need for effective management strategies. In this context, we present the largest case series to date, featuring five patients with spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage from isolated posterior spinal artery pseudoaneurysms. All cases achieved spontaneous thrombosis and resolution through conservative management, challenging the prevailing surgical emphasis. The patients, aged 58-81, exhibited varied symptoms, including back pain, paresthesia, confusion, and seizures, with hypertension as a common comorbidity. The results of these cases lead us to tender a "hybrid" management strategy, combining conservative measures with short-term follow-up angiograms, fostering a paradigm shift and warranting further investigation into individualized patient care within larger clinical cohorts.

Causal Effect Estimation on Imaging and Clinical Data for Treatment Decision Support of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is a serious medical emergency of brain that has high mortality and poor prognosis. Treatment effect estimation is of high clinical significance to support the treatment decision-making for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, most existing studies on treatment decision support of this disease are unable to simultaneously compare the potential outcomes of different treatments for a patient. Furthermore, these studies fail to harmoniously integrate the imaging data with non-imaging clinical data, both of which are significant in clinical scenarios. In this paper, the key challenges we address are: how to effectively estimate the treatment effect for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage; and how to utilize multi-modality data to perform this estimation. Specifically, we first propose a novel scheme that uses multi-modality confounders distillation architecture to predict the treatment outcome and treatment assignment simultaneously. Notably, with these distilled confounder features, we design an imaging and non-imaging interaction representation learning strategy to use the complementary information extracted from different modalities to balance the feature distribution of different treatment groups. We have conducted extensive experiments using a clinical dataset of 656 subarachnoid hemorrhage cases, which was collected from the Hospital Authority of Hong Kong. Our method shows consistent improvements on the evaluation metrics of treatment effect estimation, achieving state-of-the-art results over strong competitors. Code is released at https://github.com/med-air/TOP-aSAH.

Difference in Predictors of Seizure in Angiogram Negative Non-perimesencephalic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Cases and Aneurysmal Cases (P7-5.020)

Difference in Predictors of Seizure in Angiogram Negative Non-perimesencephalic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Cases and Aneurysmal Cases (P7-5.020)

Global, regional, and national burden of stroke attributable to extreme low temperatures, 1990-2019: A global analysis.

Extreme ambient temperatures have been linked to increased risks of stroke morbidity and mortality. However, global estimates of the burden of stroke due to extreme low temperatures are not well-defined. This study aimed to determine the global burden of stroke due to extreme low temperatures and its spatiotemporal trend from 1990 to 2019. Based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, we obtained global, regional, and national data on deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and age-standardized rate of DALYs (ASDR) of stroke attributed to extreme low temperatures, further stratified by age, sex, and sociodemographic index (SDI). Globally, in 2019, an estimated 474,000 stroke deaths with the corresponding ASMR (6.2 (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 4.6-7.9)) and ASDR (103.9 (95% UI: 77.0-134.5)) per 100,000 population, were attributable to extreme low temperatures. The most significant burden was observed in Central Asia, followed by Eastern Europe and East Asia. From 1990 to 2019, the global burden of stroke and its subtypes (ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage) attributable to extreme low temperatures exhibited a decrease in both ASMR and ASDR. Significant decreases in stroke burden occurred in the high-SDI regions, high-income Asia Pacific, and subarachnoid hemorrhage cases. Moreover, the ASMR and ASDR increased with age and were higher in males than females. The global stroke burden due to extreme low temperatures remains high despite a decreasing trend over the past three decades. The stroke burden due to extreme low temperatures was more notable for Central Asia, older people, and the male sex.

[Craniotomy Clipping for Cerebral Aneurysms].

Preoperative simulation is essential to safely complete neurosurgical procedures. A vascular-oriented approach is important in cerebrovascular disorder surgery, considering anatomical variations among individuals. Particularly, subarachnoid hemorrhage surgery requires a detailed simulation of a safe dissection procedure, considering the rupture point of the aneurysm, and combined computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging images with cerebral angiography can be useful. We present a case of subarachnoid hemorrhage and introduce the preoperative simulation performed at our hospital.

Safety and effectiveness of stent-assisted coiling with adjunctive techniques in ruptured acute aneurysms: a propensity score-matched cohort study.

The use of stent-assisted coiling (SAC) in acute subarachnoid hemorrhage cases is associated with higher incidence rates of bleeding and ischemic complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the SAC technique in the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIAs). A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with RIAs treated with SAC or coiling alone (CA). Univariate analysis compared clinical information between the two groups. Propensity score matching was used to select patients for comparison and analyze surgical complications, prognosis, and imaging outcomes in both groups. A total of 394 aneurysms were included, and 272 aneurysms remained after application of propensity score matching, with an equal distribution of 136 cases in both the SAC and CA groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the immediate postoperative outcomes between the two groups (63.2% of SAC patients achieved class 1 on the Raymond-Roy occlusion classification scale vs 58.8% of CA patients, difference [95% CI] 4.4% [-0.076 to 0.163]; 33.1% achieved class 2 vs 38.2%, 5.1% [-0.065 to 0.170]; 3.7% achieved class 3 vs 2.9%, 0.8% [-0.047 to 0.062], p = 0.506). At the 1-year follow-up, the SAC group exhibited higher rates of complete occlusion (59.5% vs 42.4%, 17.1% [0.040-0.294]) and stability (24.0% vs 19.2%, 4.8% [-0.061 to 0.156]), while experiencing lower rates of improvement (12.4% vs 22.4%, 10.0% [0.001-0.201]) and recanalization (4.1% vs 16.0%, 11.9% [0.036-0.120]), with statistically significant differences in these outcomes (p < 0.001). No significant disparities were observed in clinical outcomes in terms of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at discharge (76.5% vs 77.2% had mRS score 0-2, 0.7% [-0.098 to 0.113]; 23.5% vs 22.8% had mRS score 3-6, 0.7% [-0.098 to 0.113], p = 0.886) and 1-year follow-up (90.8% vs 92.2% had mRS score 0-2, 1.4% [-0.063 to 0.091]; 9.2% vs 7.8% had mRS score 3-6, 1.4% [-0.063 to 0.091], p = 0.683). Intraoperative rupture occurred more frequently in the SAC group compared with the CA group, although the difference was not statistically significant (5.1% vs 2.9%, 2.2% [-0.035 to 0.081], p = 0.356). The SAC group demonstrated a higher incidence of intraoperative thrombosis, but the difference was not statistically significant (8.1% vs 2.9%, 5.2% [-0.010 to 0.117], p = 0.063). Postoperative thrombosis in the SAC group was 3 times higher, but this difference was not statistically significant (6.6% vs 2.2%, 4.4% [-0.013, 0.106], p = 0.076). The surgery-related mortality rates did not differ significantly between the two groups (4.4% vs 5.9%, 1.5% [-0.048 to 0.077], p = 0.583). Although stent treatment for RIA results in some incidents of complications, it is safe and effective. Besides, the SAC group showed better vascular imaging results compared with the CA group.

Management of a recurrent spinal arachnoid cyst presenting as arachnoiditis in the setting of spontaneous spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage: illustrative case.

Spontaneous spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage is a rare pathological entity with a variety of presentations depending on the underlying etiology, which often remains cryptogenic. The literature is sparse regarding the most efficacious treatment or management option, and there is no consensus on follow-up time or modalities. Additionally, there are very few reports that include operative videos, which is provided herein. The authors present a case of spontaneous spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage without an underlying etiology in a patient with progressive myelopathy, back pain, and lower-extremity paresthesias. She presented to our institution, and because of progressive worsening of her symptoms and the development of compressive arachnoid cysts, she underwent thoracic laminectomies for evacuation of subdural fluid, fenestration of the arachnoid cysts, and lysis of significant arachnoid adhesions. Her clinical course was further complicated by the recurrence of worsening myelopathy and the development of a large compressive arachnoid cyst with further arachnoiditis. The patient underwent repeat surgical intervention for cyst decompression with an improvement in symptoms. This case highlights the importance of long-term follow-up for these complicated cases with an emphasis on repeat magnetic resonance imaging. Unfortunately, surgical intervention is associated with short-term relief of the symptoms and no significant nonoperative management is available for these patients.

Abstract TP1: Changing Trends in the Epidemiology of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Population-Based Study

Background: There are conflicting data on temporal trends in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) incidence and outcomes. We examined trends from 1993-2020 in a long-running population-based stroke study conducted in the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky (GCNK) region. Methods: Using a well-validated approach, we ascertained all incident nontraumatic SAHs among residents of the GCNK region in the following study periods; July 1993-June 94, calendar years 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. Potential cases were identified by ICD codes, abstracted, and then adjudicated by physicians. Aneurysmal SAH (aSAH) was defined as those with culprit aneurysms; cases with no available vessel imaging were considered aSAH if the hemorrhage volume was “massive” or if the patient died rapidly after onset. Incidence rates were compared over time using linear regression after normalizing to 2010 census demographics. The primary outcome assessed was unadjusted 30-day Case Fatality Rate (CFR), which was available through 2015. Results: We identified 518 SAH cases, of which 372 were aSAH (71.8%). Overall SAH incidence rate was stable over time, ranging from 8-10 cases per 100,000 person-years (Figure Panel A); however, the rate of aSAH showed a statistically significant decline, going from 7.2 cases/100,000 person-years in 1993 to 5.2 cases/100,000 person-years in 2020 (trend P =0.02). There was a nonsignificant increase in nonaneurysmal SAH ( P =0.09 for trend). Overall 30-day CFR declined significantly through 2015 ( P =0.006, Figure Panel B), driven predominantly by a decline in aSAH CFR (from 39.3% to 23.7%, trend P =0.04). Conclusion: We observed a significant decline in the incidence of aSAH from 1993-2020; however, overall SAH incidence was stable in the setting of numerically more nonaneurysmal SAHs. Further study is needed to understand the causes of this trend. 30-Day CFR has significantly improved both for overall SAH and for aSAH.

Abstract WP288: Epidemiological Analysis of Incidence, Treatment, Mortality and Costs of Cerebrovascular Diseases in Brazil Between 2017 and 2022

Background: Cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) represent a Global Health concern, being the first cause of disability worldwide and second cause of mortality (first in Brazil). Despite that, detailed data from Brazil was scarce and this study found alarming results. Aims: The study aims to analyze incidence, mortality, treatment, procedures and costs related to the three most common cerebrovascular diseases: Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH), Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) and Ischemic Stroke in Brazil. Methods: This is an epidemiological study. Data was obtained through DataSUS, a public database. For the search, we utilized the CID-10 notification system from I60 until I64, including admissions, deaths, treatments and costs related to each CID-10. Results: Between 2017 and 2022, 1,283,435 CVD cases were notified (SAH=4,7%; ICH= 8.8%; and ischemic stroke=86.5%). 52.4% were Male and 47.6% were Female. Mortality percentages were: SAH=20.2%, ICH=25.3%, Ischemic Stroke=15.3%. Rates of Thrombolysis were alarming, but with an increasing tendency: 22969 were performed, from 1.6% in 2017 to 2.3% in 2022 of all ischemic strokes. 8290 aneurysms embolizations were performed (13.5% of all SAH cases). 4.9% of SAH cases were treated with neurosurgical clipping, demonstrating a decrease tendency after 2020, as well other procedures, such as Craniectomy and Angioplastia. Yearly costs related to these diseases increased steeply, from R$ 360,710,749.92 in 2017 to R$ 537,511,793.62 in 2022 (around US$107,502,358.00). Conclusions: This study has found increasing incidence and costs associated with low rates of thrombolysis and procedures in Brazil The results can direct Public Health policies in developing countries, and similar research in other low- and middle-income-countries are encouraged.

Strengthening deep-learning models for intracranial hemorrhage detection: strongly annotated computed tomography images and model ensembles.

Multiple attempts at intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) detection using deep-learning techniques have been plagued by clinical failures. We aimed to compare the performance of a deep-learning algorithm for ICH detection trained on strongly and weakly annotated datasets, and to assess whether a weighted ensemble model that integrates separate models trained using datasets with different ICH improves performance. We used brain CT scans from the Radiological Society of North America (27,861 CT scans, 3,528 ICHs) and AI-Hub (53,045 CT scans, 7,013 ICHs) for training. DenseNet121, InceptionResNetV2, MobileNetV2, and VGG19 were trained on strongly and weakly annotated datasets and compared using independent external test datasets. We then developed a weighted ensemble model combining separate models trained on all ICH, subdural hemorrhage (SDH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and small-lesion ICH cases. The final weighted ensemble model was compared to four well-known deep-learning models. After external testing, six neurologists reviewed 91 ICH cases difficult for AI and humans. InceptionResNetV2, MobileNetV2, and VGG19 models outperformed when trained on strongly annotated datasets. A weighted ensemble model combining models trained on SDH, SAH, and small-lesion ICH had a higher AUC, compared with a model trained on all ICH cases only. This model outperformed four deep-learning models (AUC [95% C.I.]: Ensemble model, 0.953[0.938-0.965]; InceptionResNetV2, 0.852[0.828-0.873]; DenseNet121, 0.875[0.852-0.895]; VGG19, 0.796[0.770-0.821]; MobileNetV2, 0.650[0.620-0.680]; p < 0.0001). In addition, the case review showed that a better understanding and management of difficult cases may facilitate clinical use of ICH detection algorithms. We propose a weighted ensemble model for ICH detection, trained on large-scale, strongly annotated CT scans, as no model can capture all aspects of complex tasks.

A case ofsubarachnoid haemorrhage associated with MPO-ANCA-positive eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, successfully treated with glucocorticoid, cyclophosphamide, andmepolizumab.

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a quite rare but serious central nervous system complication of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). We report a case of myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive EGPA in which SAH developed during glucocorticoid induction pulse therapy for skin purpura, peripheral neuropathy, and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. In addition to high-dose glucocorticoid and intravenous cyclophosphamide, we administered mepolizumab, a humanised anti-interleukin-5 monoclonal antibody, and this resulted in remission of the SAH. Although the pathogenesis of SAH in EGPA is not fully understood, both necrotising vasculitis and eosinophilic inflammation are thought to be involved. In addition to prompt intensive immunosuppressive therapy, mepolizumab should be considered for SAH associated with EGPA.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Following Spinal Anesthesia: Two Case Reports

Spinal anesthesia has been performed on patients who undergo cesarean section, for years. A variety of complications are reported which are followed by spinal anesthesia; but subarachnoid hemorrhage is not one of them. In this study, we present two cases of Subarachnoid hemorrhage resulting from spinal anesthesia. In both cases, patients suffered from a thunderclap sudden-onset headache after undergoing cesarean section. Imaging and laboratory investigations were performed in order to determine the reason contributing to the headache, which revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage. After investigation and excluding other underlying causes, normal imaging studies suggested that the occurrence of subarachnoid hemorrhage as a possible complication of spinal anesthesia should be considered.

Single Component Polymers, Polymer Blends, and Polymer Composites for Interventional Endovascular Embolization of Intracranial Aneurysms.

Intracranial aneurysm is the abnormal focal dilation in brain arteries. When untreated, it can enlarge to rupture points and account for subarachnoid hemorrhage cases. Intracranial aneurysms can be treated by blocking the flow of blood to the aneurysm sac with clipping of the aneurysm neck or endovascular embolization with embolics to promote the formation of the thrombus. Coils or an embolic device are inserted endovascularly into the aneurysm via a micro-catheter to fill the aneurysm. Many embolization materials have been developed. An embolization coil made of soft and thin platinum wire called the "Guglielmi detachable coil" (GDC) enables safer treatment for brain aneurysms. However, patients may experience aneurysm recurrence because of incomplete coil filling or compaction over time. Unsatisfactory recanalization rates and incomplete occlusion are the drawbacks of endovascular embolization. So, the fabrication of new medical devices with less invasive surgical techniques is mandatory to enhance the long-term therapeutic performance of existing endovascular procedures. For this aim, the current article reviews polymeric materials including blends and composites employed for embolization of intracranial aneurysms. Polymeric materials used in embolic agents, their advantages and challenges, results of the strategies used to overcome treatment, and results of clinical experiences are summarized and discussed.

Case Series Report: Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and ICU Management

Background: Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a neurological syndrome with complex systemic complications. Rupture of an intracranial aneurysm causes acute extravasation of arterial blood under high pressure into the subarachnoid space and often into the brain parenchyma and ventricles. Bleeding triggers a complex series of events, which can ultimately lead to early brain injury, delayed cerebral ischemia, and systemic complications. Cases: There were six cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Some patients come clinically with severe headache and loss of consciousness. The patient has been treated quickly and aggressively and even put on a ventilator for complications of respiratory failure, support for shock and management of aneurysm clipping and EVD. Rapid and precise diagnosis in the management of patients with SAH is of paramount importance, within the first few hours after the onset of SAH. The risk for early neurologic damage and high rates of severe long-term complications necessitated aggressive early management. Conclusion: Rapid diagnosis and attentive management of patients with SAH are essential, as early deterioration is possible within the first few hours after the onset of SAH. The risk for early neurologic damage and high rates of severe long-term complications necessitated aggressive early management. Prevention and Management of Complications. The most common complications were pneumonia, aspiration, respiratory failure/distress, sepsis and imbalance electrolyte (hyponatremia). Approximately 50% of deaths after SAH are due to medical complications.

Contribution of Deep Cerebral Venous Anomaly to the Emergence of Nonaneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage as Opposed to Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

The exact reason of nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is an enigma. The aim of this study is to identify if type III deep cerebral venous drainage is exclusively prevalent in patients with nonaneurysmal SAH and to enumerate the predictors of poorer outcome in these patients. All patients of age >18years, presented at our centre with spontaneous SAH on noncontrast computed tomography head and were divided into 2 groups, aneurysmal and nonaneurysmal SAH after 4-vessel DSA. Based on the deep venous drainage pattern on both sides, basal venous drainage was found and classified into 3 types: type I, type II, and type III. The 3 groups were pitted against one another. Regression analysis were performed to predict the occurrence of nonaneurysmal-SAH with different types of basal vein. There were 100 nonaneurysmal SAH cases and 103 aneurysmal SAH cases. The mean age of presentation was 47.8±13.55years with slight male predominance (52%). The patients with type III venous drainage have 2 times more risk of developing nonaneurysmal SAH (95% confidence interval=1.21-4.31) as compared to those with aneurysmal SAH. On multivariate analysis, type III basal venous drainage, worse Hunt and Hess grade at presentation, extensive bleeding were predictors of an adverse outcome. The presence of type III venous distribution is associated with a 2-fold increase in the probability of having nonaneurysmal SAH, as well as a 3-fold increase in the risk of developing poorer neurological sequelae.

The survival and outcome of older patients with primary aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: a 2-year follow-up, multi-centre, observational study.

The management of older aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) cases is a clinical challenge. This study aimed to analyse the survival and functional outcomes in older aSAH patients (age ≥ 70years) to provide evidence for making treatment decisions for such patients. We performed a 2-year follow-up analysis of the Chinese Multi-Centre Cerebral Aneurysm Database for older patients suffering from aSAH from 2017 to 2020. A survival analysis was used to investigate the mean survival and hazard ratios for death. Binary logarithmic regression was performed to investigate the odds ratio for independent survival and dependent survival. A total of 1,136 consecutive older patients with aSAH were assessed in this study, and 944 patients (83.1%) were followed up. The overall mean survival was 37.79 ± 1.04months. A total of 380 (40.25%) patients died within 2years after aSAH. In survival analysis, the predictors of mortality were older age, intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) history, Hunt-Hess (H-H) grade, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade and operative treatment decreased the risk of mortality compared to conservative treatment. In binary logarithmic regression, the predictors of dependent survival were hypertension, diabetes, WFNS grade. The risk for 2-year mortality after aSAH increases markedly with older age, ICH history, H-H grade and WFNS grade. Risk factors for 2-year dependent survival were associated with hypertension, diabetes and WFNS grade in older patients with aSAH. Operative treatment markedly decreased mortality but did not significantly decrease the morbidity of dependent survival compared to conservative treatment.

Abstract 165: Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Related to Thoracic Spinal Cord Stimulator Placement

Introduction Spinal cord stimulators (SCS) offer safe and effective pain relief. Precise lead placement is critical. Indications for lead placement include chronic pain, failed back surgery syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome (1). Hardware related complications include lead fracture and lead migration into the subdural space. Complications can also include spinal cord injury, nerve root damage or lack of desired pain control (2). We present a case of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to SCS lead migration into the subdural space. Methods An 81‐year‐old female patient with a past medical history of heart failure, atrial fibrillation and a mechanical mitral valve, presents with a severe headache and right hemiparesis. The patient was anticoagulated with a warfarin to heparin bridge. One week prior to presentation, the patient underwent SCS placement for chronic lower back pain due to post herpetic neuralgia. She was also found to have 8/10 pain on palpation of the lumbar spine and loss of sensation in the right lower extremity. An urgent CT brain revealed a SAH in the bilateral occipital lobes, right sylvian fissure and right temporal lobe. CT angiogram was also performed and did not reveal any evidence of a cerebral aneurysm. CT of the thoracic spine revealed neurostimulator lead migration into the subdural space. Neurosurgery was consulted and subsequently removed the SCS. The patient’s hemiparesis resolved, and CT brain showed no progression of the hemorrhage. MRI brain showed no infarct. Results We propose that the combined risk of anticoagulation and lead migration into the subdural space led to the development of SAH. Conclusion In cases of a SAH, where a cerebral aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation have been excluded, other sources should be considered. We report a novel case of SAH following SCS placement.

Effect of Smoking Cessation on the Risk of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Nested Case-Control Study in Korean Men.

Smoking is a well-established risk factor for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and current smokers have an increased risk of SAH. However, there are insufficient data on whether smoking cessation in current smokers reduces the risk of SAH. A nested case-control study was conducted based on the National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort, which comprises nationwide health claims data and a national health screening program in Korea (2002-2019). We constructed a cohort of current male smokers without a history of stroke at the baseline health screening (2002-2003). From this cohort, cases were defined as individuals who experienced a nontraumatic SAH during the follow-up period up to 2019. Five controls were matched to each case using incidence density sampling. Smoking status (continuation or cessation) before the occurrence of SAH was evaluated using the repeated national health screening program. We conducted a multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis, adjusting for alcohol consumption, physical activity, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose levels, to evaluate the association between SAH risk and smoking cessation. At baseline, there were 112 142 current male smokers. After excluding individuals with prior stroke or insufficient data, the cohort consisted of 105 223 eligible participants (mean age, 50.3±8.5 years). Among them, we identified 318 cases of SAH and 1590 matched controls. Those who quit smoking had a significantly lower risk of SAH compared with current smokers (adjusted odds ratio, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.41-0.73]). The risk of SAH decreased with a longer period of smoking cessation. The risk reduction with smoking cessation was consistent even among prior heavy smokers. Smoking cessation in current male smokers reduced the risk of SAH, and the risk reduction was greater as the cessation period increased. These findings warrant intensive efforts to encourage smokers, even heavy smokers, to quit.

The role of previous medical history and secondary complications for the outcome of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in elderly patients

BackgroundAneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) presents a devastating diagnosis for elderly individuals, resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of medical history and complications during SAH on the outcome of elderly patients. MethodsConsecutive SAH cases aged ≥ 65 years old treated in our hospital between 01/2003 and 06/2016 were included (n = 218). Data on comorbidities, previous medication, initial severity, secondary complications, and the outcome were collected. Study endpoints were occurrence of cerebral infarcts, in-hospital mortality, and unfavorable outcome at 6 months after SAH. ResultsCerebral infarcts were documented in 111 (51.2 % ) individuals. Multivariate analysis showed that angiographic vasospasm caused an increase (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.11, p = 0.022) in the risk of infarction, whereas aspirin treatment decreased (aOR = 0.25, p = 0.001) the risk of infarction. In turn, increasing age (aOR = 1.11, p = 0.002), intracranial hypertension (>20 mmHg, aOR = 3.32, p = 0.006) and acute kidney failure (aOR = 6.65, p = 0.035) during SAH were independently related to the risk of in-hospital mortality (n = 50; 22.9 % ). Finally, patients’ age (aOR = 1.09, p = 0.022), high initial SAH burden (WFNS ≥ 4: aOR = 7.5, p < 0.0001; intraventricular hemorrhage: aOR = 4.38, p = 0.007), aneurysm clipping (aOR = 4.07, p = 0.018), and intracranial hypertension during SAH (aOR = 4.08, p = 0.006) were independent predictors of unfavorable outcome (n = 106/192; 55.5 % ). Previous medical history showed no negative impact on the severity, course and outcome of SAH. ConclusionAbout half of elderly SAH patients face poor outcomes after aneurysm securing. The initial severity of and complications during SAH are the major contributors to poor treatment results. Our findings might help to optimize the treatment strategies.

Microsurgical Treatment of Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms: An Analysis of 74 Consecutive Cases. Approach Side Choice and Outcome Considerations

Abstract Introduction Anterior communicating artery aneurysms (ACoAAs) are intracranial aneurysms whose treatment is still considered a challenging task. Materials and Methods Altogether, 74 patients were included in this study. The variables included age, sex, comorbidities, incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), the Fisher, Hunt-Hess, and WFNS scores, approach side, length of hospital stay, and mortality. We also investigate A1/A2 dimensions, association with approach side choice and the influence of surgeon's experience on the outcome. Results There were 61 patients (82.2%) admitted with SAH and 13 were treated for unruptured aneurysms. The A1 and A2 branches were larger ipsilaterally to the selected approach side (p &lt; 0,001). No deaths occurred in the unruptured aneurysm group. In the SAH group, mortality was strongly correlated with the Hunt-Hess score (p &lt; 0.001), Fisher grade (p &lt; 0.001), and WFNS score (p &lt; 0.001). No significant difference was found in mortality between the right-side and the left-side approaches (p = 0.253). A significant survival difference was identified on the group operated by the senior surgeon versus the non-senior group (p = 0.048). Discussion and Conclusion A1 dominance was identified as a factor associated to the approach side for SAH cases at our center. Understanding the factors involved in brain aneurysm surgery remains a relevant and underexplored subject. Further studies involving larger case series and multicenter collaborations are necessary to elucidate these factors and to determine the external validity of our findings.